topic Hello all in Welcome and orientation

Hello all

Guest_029 — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 21:08:31 GMT

Am 56 years of age, have had a couple of strokes that affect you in different ways, mental health problems do exist and wish to start a topic on

stroke, where people can feel comfortable to share.

Hello all

Doolhof — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 09:25:39 GMT

Hi Hommer,

Welcome to the forums. I've not had a stroke but a dear girlfriend of mine had one at 40. I've also worked in Aged Care and met a few lovely people there who had suffered from strokes.

Depression and mental health issues on the other hand are things that I do suffer from and understand.

If you don't mind me asking you Hommer, how has your stroke affected you? Was it a severe stroke or a mild one if there is such a thing! I do realise strokes can affect people in many different ways.

A girl friend's husband had a stroke. For some reason he can only see food on one half of his plate. My friend has to turn his plate around each meal time so he can eat the rest of his food.

Once again if you don't mind me asking, did you have mental health issues before the stroke, or did they develop after due to the state you may now find yourself in? If your mental health declined after I can certainly understand that.

Like I mentioned, I've not had a stroke, I do have back issues that prevent me from doing things I used to do. I also have other health conditions that prevented us from having children. In my own way I know what it is like for your body to no longer work how it is expected to.

My circumstances are certainly different to a stroke though. I hope others join in the conversation, especially those who have been effected by a stroke or maybe their loved one has been.

Wishing you all the best Hommer.

Cheers from Mrs. D.

Hello all

Guest_029 — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 10:12:02 GMT

Thank you for reply Doolhofs

The first was major and the second mild and was unaware of any mental illness before them. Am starting a thread under the topic of trauma and will see how that goes, of which you don`t have to have had a stroke to understand. A nurse told me of her mother that had a stroke and the only way they could communicate was by singing, at least they could communicate.

Hello all

geoff — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:28:10 GMT

hello Hommer, I am so sorry for you but yes after having a stroke, then it's going to affect you mentally, because unfortunately you may not be able to do the things you loved to do, so this is going to annoy you, and rightly so.
I visit an elderly chap each week, he had a stroke a couple of years ago, but he was lucky, because he can still talk, he swims three times a week, which he loves doing and is able to play golf, twice a week, although now he doesn't play as well as he used to, which frustrates him, but as I say he was one of the fortunate people.
It has made a difference to him mentally though, as he believes he is always correct, and doesn't get on with his only daughter, who has no sympathy for whatever he does.
He used to have an immaculate garden when his wife was alive, but his stroke happened after she passed away and now he has no interest in maintaining it.
By having a stroke is going to change your life, physically and mentally. Geoff.

Hello all

Guest_029 — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 21:25:01 GMT

Hi geoff

Used to be a plumber for 30 odd years and had to give it away because of physical and mental issues, which I

accepted as some people don`t, my speech is affected, but am still understandable. Was a reasonable golfer and now miss the ball, so sold my clubs and took up bowls. Having a simple interest helps both physically and mentally, maybe growing vegetables might help your friend. Lifeline got to know my voice and said give us a ring anytime you need to talk, getting things of my chest helped a lot.

Hello all

Doolhof — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 21:33:16 GMT

Hi Hommer,

It is certainly beneficial if we can find activities that are within our capability and that give us a sense of achievement, joining in or what ever it is that we need to help make us feel better.

My husband and I joined an indoor carpet bowling team. I can no longer bowl due to my back injury, so I still attend and cheer everyone on. When we have a home game I am the supper lady and look after the food and drinks.

Becoming depressed after a life altering event is understandable. I'm sorry you were unable to find a support group. Life line and places like Beyondblue are invaluable aren't they! I know I have called a few times.

I did see your other thread Hommer, you seem to be needing acknowledgement, validation and people to maybe accept you for who you are. I understand that Hommer. Hopefully you will find a sense of acceptance and understanding here.

Cheers to you from Doolhofs.

Hello all

Guest_029 — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 22:28:56 GMT

Hi Doolhol`s

Yes, you are probably right about validation, I feel that I was let down by an organisation that in my opinion is missing a soul. This is still on going and do not wish to elaborate on further, weather I am using this forum to prove to myself that there is a soul, I don`t know.

Hello all

Doolhof — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 21:54:19 GMT

Dear Hommer,

No one should have to go through any experience without the help and aid they need and deserve. Unfortunately that does not always happen.

There have been incidents in my life with health professionals that I would rather had never taken place. Other providers have gone out of their way at times.

I had a friend who worked in a children's hospital as a nurse. She told me after a few years she saw so many children die that it became "part of the job". One day she woke up and realised how she was just accepting the deaths and no longer feeling them nor able to show compassion to the grieving parents.

Maybe the organisation you were in contact with had staff who have forgotten that the people they are dealing with are real people!

Many people here have souls Hommer that care! Hope you are able to accept and believe you are included here!

Cheers to you from Mrs. D.

Hello all

Guest_029 — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 21:57:19 GMT

This will my last post for awhile as there are good people here and they shouldn`t be used, I am probably no better than the organisation I`m pursuing. When and if, a result is obtained, will let people know.

Hello all

Doolhof — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 10:18:19 GMT

Hi Hommer,

If by chance you read this, I hope that nothing I wrote has upset you.

I don't feel in any way that you have used anyone on this forum Hommer, you have been seeking support and understanding, that is what this forum is for.

Please know you are always welcome here.

Cheers for now from Mrs. D.

Hello all

Guest_029 — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:51:56 GMT

Mrs D you upset me, but the results did.

This maybe libellous, but am sick of bashing my head against a brick wall, as it has been going on for many years and it`s starting to get sore. Have been though ACNC,Politicians and Stroke Foundation and am know closer than when I started. I think that the second stroke contributed to by a fundraiser that had my details and may have forgotten they were dealing with a real person. Then the organisation have attempted to cover up events, I am not the only one that has been affected by fundraising, as forum members or users will know. There are a lot of good people that need to have a voice and having support doesn`t justify the actions of a few. Wonder what was learnt as stated and glad put this on print, I think. Goodnight,

Hello all

Doolhof — Tue, 13 Jun 2017 22:02:41 GMT

Hi Hommer,

I'm really sorry if my words have contributed to your pain. Banging your head against a brick wall is so very frustrating, the anger and distrust you feel must be agonising.

I'm also very sorry you have not been able to obtain the help, assistance and care that you so obviously need, and that in it all you feel very let down by organisations and people.

Hommer, you are in a lot of pain, if it helps you to let out your emotions and hurts here, then please feel free to do so.

I have not walked in your shoes Hommer, I do not understand what you are going through, but I do care. I never mean to hurt or upset anyone here. Sometimes the words I use may do so, but it is not intentional.

Cheers to you, from Mrs. D.

Hello all

Guest_029 — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:32:24 GMT

Hi Mrs D

My last post was missing words, had bad spelling etc and shouldn`t post when I`m wound up. Am grateful for you comments and that you have not upset me at all. I am just frustrated with the system at present and to have to come to the realisation that the only way I am going to get any satisfaction is to become part of it, which is in progress at present. It is a hard pill to to swallow, but know now where I stand. Thankyou for your kind words, but now will be concentrating my efforts elsewhere and may make contact again in the future. Ron

Hello all

Doolhof — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:00:51 GMT

Hi Ron,

Wishing you all the very best and hope you receive the help and the results that you desire!

Cheers fro now from Mrs. D.